5 sheriff's deputies disciplined for actions at Trump rally

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — A North Carolina sheriff has suspended five deputies for their actions at a Donald Trump rally in which a black man being escorted from the event was allegedly assaulted by a white man in attendance.

A statement from Cumberland County Sheriff Earl "Moose" Butler on Wednesday said three deputies were demoted and suspended without pay for five days. Two other deputies were suspended for three days without pay, and all five were put on probation for 12 months.

Butler launched an investigation after a video showed a man with a cowboy hat hitting a black man being led from the arena by deputies March 9. Officials said the deputies had their eyes on the stairs when the man was hit.

Authorities charged a 78-year-old man with assault and disorderly conduct.